A Critical Analysis of Scarce Collection Development Resources: English Language Materials at Japanese Academic Libraries

Abstract

Focused collection development policies are central to building and maintaining library collections and supporting library programs and services. Regular weeding can improve accessibility, tailor the collection to more closely match the library's mission, and allow for the more effective use of a limited budget. My career has led me to focus on the impact of collection development policies on academic libraries in Japan, but collection development decisions impact libraries of every size and purpose throughout the world.

Over the past 25 years I have worked as an English as a Foreign Language instructor in Japanese junior high schools, corporations, technical colleges and, for the past 18 years, universities. I have utilised my own advanced degrees in international relations and library and information science to design content-based lesson plans that allow students to use English in productive and meaningful ways while expanding opportunities for the development of critical thinking skills through information and media literacy.